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New Jersey may be one of the smaller states in the U.S., but it’s packed with history, culture, and exciting landmarks. From being home to the world’s first boardwalk to inspiring pop culture classics like Monopoly and The Sopranos, the Garden State has plenty of unique stories to tell.
Whether you’re drawn to its scenic coastline, fascinating history, or famous residents, there’s no shortage of interesting facts about New Jersey to discover. In this list, we’ll explore 50 fun facts about New Jersey, covering everything from its rich past and natural wonders to the cool things about New Jersey that make it stand out!
New Jersey Facts – Quick Facts
| Population | 9,500,851 |
| Capital City | Trenton |
| Statehood Granted | December 18,1787 |
| Abbreviation | NJ |
| State Motto | Liberty and Prosperity |
| State Nickname | The Garden State |
| State Bird | American Goldfinch |
| State Flower | Common Blue Violet |
| State Fruit | Highbush Blueberry |
| State Tree | Northern Red Oak |
| State Song | New Jersey does not have a state song |
| Major Airports | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) |
| Major Sports Teams | New York Giants (NFL) New York Jets (NFL) New Jersey Devils (NHL) New York Red Bulls (MLS) |
| Largest College | Rutgers University |
| Area Codes | (201) (551) (609) (640) (732) (848) (856) (862) (908) (973) |
| Zip Codes | New Jersey has 731 Zip Codes ranging from 07001 to 08989 |
New Jersey State Flag
New Jersey State Seal
Governor Of New Jersey
How did New Jersey get it’s name?
In 1664, the British took control of the region and incorporated it as a colony. The land was divided into two sections, with Sir George Carteret overseeing one part and John Berkeley managing the other. These areas were named East Jersey and West Jersey. The name “Jersey” was chosen as a reference to the Isle of Jersey, where both Carteret and Berkeley had spent significant time. In 1702, the two territories were unified, and the region officially became known as New Jersey.
Fun Facts About New Jersey: Geography
1. New Jersey has a diverse landscape that includes beaches, forests, mountains, and wetlands, despite being one of the smallest states in the U.S.
2. The state is home to the Pine Barrens, a vast forest covering over one million acres, which plays a crucial role in maintaining New Jersey’s aquifer system.
3. The highest point in New Jersey is aptly named High Point, standing at 1,803 feet above sea level in Sussex County.
4. The Delaware Water Gap, a scenic natural formation created by the Delaware River cutting through the Kittatinny Mountains, offers breathtaking views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
5. New Jersey has over 130 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring famous beaches such as Cape May, Wildwood, and the Jersey Shore.
6. The Palisades Cliffs, which rise sharply along the western bank of the Hudson River, were formed over 200 million years ago from volcanic activity and erosion.
7. The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson is one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States, standing at 77 feet tall.
8. New Jersey has more than 800 lakes and ponds, with Lake Hopatcong being the largest freshwater lake in the state, covering about four square miles.
9. The Meadowlands, located near the Hudson River, is a sprawling wetland ecosystem that serves as an important habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
10. The state’s barrier islands, such as Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park, help protect the mainland from ocean storms and provide unique coastal environments for diverse plant and animal life.
Interesting Things About New Jersey: Nature
11. New Jersey is home to the famous Pine Barrens, where the unique pygmy pine trees grow, staying small even in adulthood due to the area’s nutrient-poor soil.
12. The state is a critical habitat for the endangered bog turtle, one of the smallest turtle species in North America, which thrives in New Jersey’s wetlands.
13. The New Jersey state tree is the northern red oak, known for its strong wood and vibrant red foliage in the fall.
14. Bald eagles, once nearly extinct in New Jersey, have made a remarkable comeback, with over 300 nesting pairs now found throughout the state.
15. The Pine Barrens are home to a rare carnivorous plant, the pitcher plant, which captures and digests insects to survive in the nutrient-poor environment.
16. The coastal waters of New Jersey provide a migration route for humpback whales, which can sometimes be spotted off the shore during certain times of the year.
17. Cranberries are one of New Jersey’s most famous crops, and the state is one of the largest producers of cranberries in the U.S., particularly in the Pine Barrens region.
18. Black bears are the largest land mammals in New Jersey, and their population has been increasing, especially in the northern part of the state.
19. New Jersey’s salt marshes support a unique ecosystem, including smooth cordgrass, which helps stabilize the coastal environment and provides a habitat for various marine species.
20. The state is home to the elusive bobcat, a species that was once rare in New Jersey but has been slowly rebounding due to conservation efforts.
Cool Facts About New Jersey : Famous People
21. Frank Sinatra, one of the most iconic singers of all time, was born in Hoboken in 1915 and became a global superstar with hits like “My Way” and “New York, New York.”
22. Thomas Edison, one of history’s most influential inventors, lived in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he developed groundbreaking inventions such as the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and improvements to the electric light bulb.
23. Whitney Houston, one of the best-selling female artists in history, was born in Newark and began singing in her church choir before rising to international fame.
24. Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was born in Glen Ridge and helped make history during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
25. Meryl Streep, widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, was born in Summit and has won multiple Academy Awards for her outstanding performances.
26. Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend and four-time NBA champion, was born in Newark before going on to dominate the sport and become a cultural icon.
27. Jason Alexander, best known for his role as George Costanza on Seinfeld, was born in Newark and originally pursued a career in theater before making it big in television.
28. Bruce Springsteen, known as “The Boss,” was born in Long Branch and grew up in Freehold, where he found inspiration for his legendary album Born to Run.
29. Jon Bon Jovi, the rock star behind hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” was born in Perth Amboy and grew up in Sayreville before forming his famous band, Bon Jovi.
30. David Sarnoff, a radio and television pioneer who played a key role in the development of broadcasting and helped create RCA and NBC, spent much of his career in New Jersey, shaping the future of mass communication.
Interesting Things About New Jersey: Government and Economy
31. New Jersey is known for having one of the highest property tax rates in the United States, which helps fund local schools and government services.
32. The state was the first in the nation to sign the Bill of Rights into law in 1789, making it an early advocate for individual freedoms.
33. New Jersey is home to the world headquarters of several major corporations, including Johnson & Johnson, Campbell Soup Company, and Prudential Financial.
34. The governor of New Jersey holds significant executive power compared to many other states, with the ability to appoint key officials without requiring legislative approval.
35. The Port of Newark is one of the busiest shipping ports in the United States, serving as a major hub for international trade and commerce.
36. New Jersey has a unique system of local government, with 565 municipalities, making it one of the most fragmented governance structures in the country.
37. The pharmaceutical industry is a major driver of New Jersey’s economy, earning it the nickname “The Medicine Chest of the World” due to the large number of pharmaceutical and biotech companies based there.
38. Unlike many states, New Jersey does not allow self-service gas stations, requiring attendants to pump gas for customers, a law that has been in place since 1949.
39. Atlantic City has been a major center for casino gambling since 1976, making it one of the largest gaming destinations in the U.S. outside of Las Vegas.
40. The state operates one of the busiest and most extensive public transportation systems in the country, with NJ Transit providing rail and bus services to millions of commuters traveling between New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Important Facts About New Jersey: History
41. New Jersey was originally settled by the Dutch and the Swedes before the British took control of the region in 1664 and named it after the Isle of Jersey.
42. The state played a crucial role in the American Revolution, with more battles fought on its soil than in any other state, including the famous Battle of Trenton in 1776.
43. New Jersey was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights in 1789, making it an early advocate for the protection of individual freedoms.
44. Princeton University, originally called the College of New Jersey, was founded in 1746 and later became a key site in the Revolutionary War when George Washington led troops in the Battle of Princeton.
45. The first officially recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken in 1846, marking the beginning of the sport that would become America’s pastime.
46. Thomas Edison established his famous Menlo Park laboratory in New Jersey, where he invented and improved upon groundbreaking technologies, including the phonograph and the electric light bulb.
47. The Holland Tunnel, which connects New Jersey to New York City, was one of the first mechanically ventilated underwater tunnels in the world when it opened in 1927.
48. The first drive-in movie theater in the United States opened in Camden in 1933, revolutionizing the way Americans watched films.
49. Atlantic City served as the inspiration for the board game Monopoly, with its street names featured on the famous game board.
50. During World War II, New Jersey was a key manufacturing center for warships, aircraft, and military equipment, contributing significantly to the war effort.